In a controversial decision, President Donald Trump has issued an executive order to dismantle Voice of America (VOA), a U.S. government-funded international news service. The White House claims that VOA has been promoting “radical” and “anti-Trump” views, justifying the move as a measure to prevent taxpayer money from supporting what it describes as “propaganda.”
The White House backed its decision with statements from conservative media figures and politicians who have long criticized the broadcaster for allegedly pushing left-leaning narratives. The order has resulted in over 1,300 VOA employees being placed on administrative leave, severely disrupting operations at the agency.
VOA’s Mission Under Threat
Originally established during World War II to counter Nazi propaganda, VOA has evolved into a major global news provider, primarily serving international audiences through radio. Today, the organization claims to reach hundreds of millions of listeners worldwide each week.
In response to the order, VOA Director Mike Abramowitz confirmed that nearly the entire staff had been placed on paid leave. Abramowitz expressed concern that the move undermines VOA’s mission, particularly at a time when U.S. adversaries like Iran, China, and Russia are investing billions in spreading misinformation against the United States. He emphasized that VOA’s role in promoting credible news globally is more vital than ever.
The National Press Club, which represents American journalists, has sharply criticized the decision, calling it a dangerous shift for press freedom. The group argued that dismantling VOA poses a direct threat to the future of independent journalism in the U.S. and globally.
Impact on the US Agency for Global Media
Trump’s order affects the broader U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees VOA and other non-profit broadcasters such as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and Radio Free Asia (RFA). These organizations were established to counter communist influence during the Cold War, and they continue to play a significant role in providing independent news in countries with limited press freedoms.
The directive instructs USAGM management to reduce operations to the minimum levels required by law, which has resulted in sweeping funding cuts. USAGM’s Human Resources Director, Crystal Thomas, informed VOA staff of the changes via email, with reports indicating that freelance workers and international contractors have been told there is no funding available to pay them.
Additionally, leaders of Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia were notified that their federal grants had been revoked, leading to widespread concern about the future of these critical services.
Global Reactions and Funding Cuts
The international community has voiced concern over the funding cuts. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský, whose country hosts Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s headquarters in Prague, expressed alarm over the potential loss of funding. Lipavský has indicated that he will seek European Union support to help keep the station operational, highlighting its importance in the region.
Billionaire Elon Musk, a key Trump adviser known for advocating large government spending cuts, also publicly supported the closure of VOA on his social media platform, X. Musk’s comments have drawn attention to the growing influence of private figures in shaping public policy on a national scale.
Trump’s sweeping budget cuts have not been limited to VOA and USAGM. Other federal agencies that fund programs for homelessness prevention, museums, and libraries have also been targeted for reductions, with critics warning that the cuts could have far-reaching consequences for vulnerable populations.
A Legacy of Voice of America and Its Role in US Broadcasting
Voice of America was first launched in 1942 to counter Nazi and Japanese propaganda during World War II. In 1976, former President Gerald Ford signed the VOA’s public charter, ensuring its editorial independence. In 1994, the Broadcast Board of Governors (BBG) was established to oversee all U.S. non-military broadcasting, including VOA.
A significant shift in 2013 allowed VOA and its affiliates to broadcast within the United States, which further cemented its role in the global media landscape. Despite the current challenges it faces, VOA remains a crucial outlet for independent news in many regions where press freedoms are restricted.
The decision to dismantle Voice of America and cut funding to other global broadcasters has sparked widespread criticism and concern over the future of press freedom. As the White House defends its actions as necessary to prevent taxpayer funding from supporting biased content, critics argue that it threatens the integrity of independent journalism, both domestically and abroad. The next steps in this unfolding story will likely have significant implications for the future of U.S. international broadcasting and its role in global media.